When the talk turns to air conditioners most people automatically assume it’s a reference to whole-house central air conditioning. Climate Control Company wants to make sure you know there are other cooling choices that can meet the needs of your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home or business. Let’s run through some of the options so you know what’s available.
Central Air Conditioning
If you have a large home and the goal is to cool the entire house, then a Lennox central air conditioning system is most likely the best choice. By definition, a central system indicates ductwork is used to distribute the cooled air throughout the home from a central location.
Ductless Mini Split
As the name implies this does not require ductwork. Instead, multiple air handlers are connected to a single outdoor compressor and the handlers deliver the cooled air directly to a specific room or area in the house. This makes mini splits an outstanding choice for homes without existing HVAC ducts or for cooling just specific areas as opposed to the entire house. Mini splits are energy efficient because there’s no loss of conditioned air as it moves through the ductwork. Since mini splits use heat pump technology, they can also supply warm air during the winter. About the only drawback is if mini splits are installed in every room to provide whole-house comfort, the upfront cost will be higher than most central systems.
Think Outside the Box
One way to do this is by installing an evaporative cooler. Also called swamp coolers, they can be an economical alternative to central air conditioning. The dry mountain air on the Western Slope means they can provide efficient cooling on all but the hottest days of the year. Swamp coolers use only a fraction of the electricity compared to air conditioners.
Window Air Conditioner
These aren’t as common as they were in the days before central air conditioning, but they can still fill a valuable role in home cooling. Window units are inexpensive and easy to install. This makes them a good choice if the goal is to cool a single room or to provide temporary comfort. However, window units are noisy, and many homeowners find them to be unattractive.
Portable Air Conditioner
These are very similar to window air conditioners but the units are free standing and can be moved from room to room. Wherever you locate them, portable air conditioners must still be close to a window so the heat can be exhausted outside. These are another great choice for a temporary cooling solution.
Geothermal Cooling & Heating
If your primary goal is to reduce your carbon footprint, then this is the right choice for you. This uses a ground source heat pump, instead of an air source heat pump. By taking advantage of the constant temperature a few feet underground you can greatly reduce your energy use. These systems are expensive to install but the reduced operating costs and tax breaks means they will pay for themselves in the long run.
Let’s Talk About What’s Best For You
Climate Control Company hopes this article has shown you there are multiple choices when it comes to keeping your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home cool and comfortable during the hot summer. Call now to schedule a no obligation estimate to learn more. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great HVAC information.
